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"Enemy of the State" uses the thriller genre to attack what it calls "the surveillance society," an America in which underground computers at Fort Meade monitor our phone calls for trigger words like "bomb," "president" and "Allah." It stars Will Smith as a Washington, D.C., lawyer whose life is dismantled bit by bit (and byte by byte) because he possesses proof that a congressman was murdered for opposing a bill that would make government snooping easier.

For much of the movie, the lawyer doesn't even know he has the evidence, a videotape showing the congressman's suicide being faked while a high government official looks on. The official, named Reynolds and played by Jon Voight with glasses and a haircut that make him uncannily resemble Robert McNamara, directs a vendetta against the lawyer that includes planting sexual gossip in the paper, canceling his credit cards, getting him fired and eventually even trying to frame him for the murder.

Paranoid? Exaggerated? No doubt, although "Enemy of the State" reminded me of that recent scary Anthony Lewis column in the New York Times about Julie Hiatt Steele, an innocent bystander in the Kenneth Starr investigation who had her tax returns audited, her neighbors and employers questioned, and her adoption of a war orphan threatened--all because she testified that Kathleen Willey had asked her to lie about a meeting with President Clinton.

It's not the government that is the enemy, this movie argues, so much as bureaucrats and demagogues who use the power of the government to gain their own ends and cover their own tracks. Voight's character is really acting on his own behalf: He wants a communications bill passed because it will make his job easier (and perhaps make him richer). He has the congressman ( Jason Robards ) killed because he's the key opponent of the bill. Everything else follows from the coverup of the murder.

The movie was directed by Tony Scott (" Top Gun "), who films technology the way the National Geographic films wetlands. As the Will Smith character dodges around Washington, trying to figure out who's after him and why, the story is told with footage from spy satellites, surveillance cameras, listening devices, bugs, wiretaps and database searches. The first time I saw a movie where a satellite was able to zoom in on a car license plate, I snickered. Recently I was able to log onto a Web site (www.terraserver.microsoft.com/) and see the roof of my house--or yours. If Microsoft gives that away for free, I believe the National Security Agency can read license plates.

The fugitive lawyer's only friend is a shadowy underground figure named Brill ( Gene Hackman ), who was an American spy until 1980, and since then has lived an invisible life as a hired gun in the outlands of intelligence and communications. His headquarters: a high-tech hideaway in an old warehouse building, with his equipment fenced in by copper mesh to stop the snoopers. (There is an echo here of Francis Coppola's 1974 film " The Conversation ," which also starred Hackman as a paranoid high-tech eavesdropper; the workplaces in the two movies resemble each other--deliberately, I assume.) It's Brill who briefs the lawyer on what the government can do. I don't believe him when he says the feds have computers at Fort Meade monitoring our phone calls; I read that as a screenwriter's invention. But I do believe the government can listen to any phone call it wants to and does so much more often than the law suggests it should.

The movie is fast-paced, centered around two big chase scenes, and ending in a clever double-cross that leads to a big shootout. In its action and violence it shows us how the movies have changed since 1974; "The Conversation" is a similar story that depended only on its intelligence and paranoia for appeal. "Enemy of the State" shoehorns in brief scenes between the lawyer and his wife ( Regina King ) and former girlfriend ( Lisa Bonet ), but is in too much of a hurry to be much of a people picture. And the standoff at the end edges perilously close to the ridiculous, for a movie that's tried so hard to be plausible.

But by and large the movie works. Smith is credible as a good lawyer who is blindsided by the misused power of the state. Gene Hackman, with a bristly haircut and horn-rimmed nerd glasses, seems utterly confident of everything he says. Voight's bureaucrat seems convinced that his job somehow places him above the law. "We are at war 24 hours a day," he barks out near the beginning of the film. It was Pogo who said: "We have met the enemy, and he is us."

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism.

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Film credits.

Enemy of the State (1998)

Rated R For Language and Violence

128 minutes

Will Smith as Robert Dean

Gene Hackman as Brill

Jon Voight as Reynolds

Lisa Bonet as Rachel Banks

Directed by

• David Marconi

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Enemy of the state.

• Common Sense Says
• Parents Say 4 Reviews
• Kids Say 5 Reviews

Common Sense Media Review

Late-'90s action movie has frequent profanity, violence.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Enemy of the State is a 1998 action movie with frequent profanity, action-style violence, and sexual content, including references to oral sex and infidelity. While the movie does show the machinations of a pre-9/11 government agency determined to a ruin the life and credibility of a…

Why Age 16+?

Frequent profanity. The f-word is used on a regular basis. Members of the mafia

A Congressman is spied on in his hotel room receiving oral sex from a woman; whi

Frequent action-movie violence. A man on a bike is shown being killed by riding

Pills are placed around a politician's head to look like a suicide after he is m

Any Positive Content?

While the movie is filled with messages on the scope and reach of surveillance i

While an argument could be made that at least two of these characters are resist

Frequent profanity. The f-word is used on a regular basis. Members of the mafia refer to an African-American lawyer as an "eggplant." Italian-Americans are referred to as "guidos."

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

A Congressman is spied on in his hotel room receiving oral sex from a woman; while no body parts are shown, the motions and gestures make it obvious what is happening. After being asked questions about an extramarital affair he has had by his employers, the lead character asks one of them if he masturbates in the shower. During a scene in a lingerie store, a female employee dressed in lingerie asks the lead character for the breast size of his wife. His wife is later shown in the lingerie as they begin to flirt in a provocative manner. When the lead character and his wife make insinuations about having sex, their young son asks, "Are you guys talking about sex?"

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Violence & Scariness

Frequent action-movie violence. A man on a bike is shown being killed by riding in front of a fire truck. During the opening credits, a series of car crashes are shown overhead. A woman is found dead in her bathroom from an apparent suicide. Frequent explosions and gunfire. A man gets shot in the head. Characters shoot at each other from point-blank range, resulting in numerous deaths.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Pills are placed around a politician's head to look like a suicide after he is murdered.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Positive Messages

While the movie is filled with messages on the scope and reach of surveillance in our society, the primary focus is the action itself.

Positive Role Models

While an argument could be made that at least two of these characters are resisting the intrusiveness of the surveillance society as manifested by the NSA, these characters are also action-movie archetypes straight out of the Jerry Bruckheimer school of late '90s formulaic blockbuster movies.

Parents need to know that Enemy of the State is a 1998 action movie with frequent profanity, action-style violence, and sexual content, including references to oral sex and infidelity. While the movie does show the machinations of a pre-9/11 government agency determined to a ruin the life and credibility of a man in possession of filmed evidence of spies killing a Congressman, the primary focus is on the nonstop action. There are also racial slurs: an African-American lawyer is referred to as an "eggplant," and Italian-American mobsters are called "guidos." To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

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Parent and Kid Reviews

• Parents say (4)
• Kids say (5)

Based on 4 parent reviews

Chilling-An Effective, Thought Provoking Action Movie

Educational use here..., what's the story.

Will Smith stars as Bobby Dean, a successful Washington lawyer. An old acquaintance of Dean, on the run from the NSA, drops a computer disk into Dean's Christmas packages just before he is killed. Dean does not know that he has the disk, much less that the disk proves that CIA operatives killed a Congressman (an unbilled Jason Robards ) because he opposed their plans to expand surveillance. Dean quickly becomes a target of the NSA, whose agents break into his house and vandalize his belongings, freeze his bank account and credit cards, and send pictures of him with a woman he had once had an affair with to his wife and employer. On the run from the NSA, Dean meets Edward Lyle ( Gene Hackman ), a former NSA surveillance agent who is now "off the grid" and trying to destabilize the intrusiveness on civil liberties that the NSA has undertaken. Lyle reluctantly agrees to help Dean get his life back, and together they turn the tables on the NSA, using their own weapons against them.

Is It Any Good?

It isn't a bad action movie, but it does adhere to the typical action movie structure, despite the messages and debate about a very important topic throughout the movie. The blockbuster production values firmly place this film in the late '90s, but the acting from Will Smith, Jon Voight, Gene Hackman, and the rest of the mostly all-star cast keeps the action sequences from veering into action-movie cliches.

ENEMY OF THE STATE attempts to be both an action movie in the typical bombastic overblown Jerry Bruckheimer style of the late 1990s, as well as a movie conveying a message on the depth and breadth of the surveillance state and the damage it can inflict on American citizens believed to be "national security threats." While it does an effective job of debating the pros and cons of expanded surveillance (and this is three years before 9/11), and shows the extent top-secret government agencies can infiltrate one's privacy, it's still a slightly dated action movie. Overall, though, it should inspire active discussion from mature teens.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about the issues raised by balancing the right to privacy with the need for protection. How does this movie convey this message?

How does the movie attempt to balance its message of showing the extent and scope of the surveillance state with the need to be an entertaining action movie?

Do you think this movie would have been much different if it had come out after 9/11? Why or why not?

Movie Details

• In theaters : November 20, 1998
• On DVD or streaming : June 15, 1999
• Cast : Gene Hackman , Jon Voight , Will Smith
• Director : Tony Scott
• Inclusion Information : Black actors
• Studio : Touchstone Pictures
• Genre : Thriller
• Topics : Adventures
• Run time : 132 minutes
• MPAA rating : R
• MPAA explanation : language and violence
• Last updated : May 8, 2024

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Enemy Of The State Review

26 Dec 1998

128 minutes

Enemy Of The State

Tony Scott is a very seductive director. He presses all the right visual buttons. This man virtually patented the orange-filtered Simpson-Bruckheimer sky. To some, this makes him Ridley's flashy, shallow brother. But when Scott's camera happens upon a decent story and some really fine performers, as with Crimson Tide, the effect is like having your inside leg stroked in the dark for two hours. Enemy Of The State is like that.

It's a fairly well-trodden story of national insecurity that's been given a good optical seeing-to: a congressman (Jason Robards) is bumped off for refusing to back a privacy bill. His murder is caught on film by an ornithologist (Jason Lee), who is similarly "erased", but not before planting a copy of the evidence on attorney Robert Clayton Dean (Smith). The ultra-secret National Security Agency (nicknamed No Such Agency), which is behind all this, targets the innocent Dean: he's smeared, loses his job, and is booted out of his delightful home. In order to "get his life back", he enlists the help of a grizzled, former NSA man Brill (Hackman), but their every move is monitored by a crack squad of grunge nerds at VDUs.

Yes, it's the 1974 classic The Conversation taken to its logical conclusion (there's even a lengthy homage to Coppola's great opening scene which will either delight or annoy). Civil liberty is the issue du jour - not only is Big Brother watching us, he's keeping tabs on what we buy with our Sainsbury's Reward Card - so, unlike producer Jerry Bruckheimer's last biggie, Armageddon, which measured the personal impact of a global event, Enemy Of The State starts with a small event (one little murder) and works upwards and outwards.

Set in and around Washington DC over Christmas, it has plenty to offer visually (Scott's lens laps up the winter chill, the fairy lights and the large government buildings), and it is against this handsome backdrop that the action takes place. But this is an action film not measurable by octane levels. It's more like a never-ending chase, whose choppy, paranoid pace is effortlessly maintained using fast edits and multiple film stocks, and only once descends into gimmickry (Smith hanging off a hotel balcony in his underwear). Crucially to the film's non-macho tone, you can easily imagine the lead role being taken by Sandra Bullock: it's about minds ticking over, not guns blazing. (Not until the end anyway.)

David Marconi's script clunks a little in the establishing scenes, but once Jason Lee makes his discovery and declares, "Fuck a duck!", it relaxes no end. When the NSA supernerds utter that era-defining phrase, "Gentlemen, we are back on-line!", it's as if they are taking over the world, not just Washington. Great fun. And besides the always enthralling Hackman, an offbeat supporting cast (Lee, Ian Hart, Scream's Jamie Kennedy, Private Ryan's sharpshooter Barry Pepper) helps keep the film's cool when all around it blockbusters are losing theirs.

• Cast & crew
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Metacritic reviews

Enemy of the state.

• 88 USA Today Mike Clark USA Today Mike Clark The picture is solidly crafted, performed to the hilt and full of humor.
• 80 Washington Post Michael O'Sullivan Washington Post Michael O'Sullivan An enormously entertaining visit to planet paranoia, but its escapist pleasures titillate only in direct proportion to the degree of persecution complex that you bring into the theater with you.
• 80 Rolling Stone Peter Travers Rolling Stone Peter Travers Bruckheimer and director Tony Scott have wisely set their course by Will Smith, who is sensational in a dramatic role that leans on him to carry a movie without the help of aliens or Big Willie-style jokes for every occasion.
• 75 ReelViews James Berardinelli ReelViews James Berardinelli It offers a solid two hours of pure, escapist entertainment.
• 70 Chicago Reader Lisa Alspector Chicago Reader Lisa Alspector The social criticism is as unforced as the humor (and the references to "The Conversation") in this 1998 conspiracy thriller, whose spirited action is balanced by an almost contemplative attitude toward surveillance phobias and the movie cliches they've spawned.
• 70 Village Voice Dennis Lim Village Voice Dennis Lim Enemy of the State isn't really a smart film, but it makes a concerted stab at pretending to be one.
• 70 Newsweek Newsweek The scary fun of the movie is embodied in a brilliantly filmed and edited chase sequence in which Smith tries to escape the ubiquitous cyber-eyes that see every inch of his flight.
• 60 TV Guide Magazine Maitland McDonagh TV Guide Magazine Maitland McDonagh Tony Scott's thriller is flashy, but it's not dead stupid and it's never dull.
• 50 Film Threat Ron Wells Film Threat Ron Wells The strong parts are the rip-offs of "The Conversation." The worst part is the lack of understandable character motivations.
• 50 San Francisco Chronicle Mick LaSalle San Francisco Chronicle Mick LaSalle A frustrating film that feels cobbled together.
• See all 22 reviews on Metacritic.com
• See all external reviews for Enemy of the State

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Enemy of the State Reviews

It’s a shame to see a film about the intelligence community executed with so little intelligence but it’s a fun ride.

Full Review | Aug 19, 2023

Far ahead of its time in educating society on its rapidly diminishing freedoms from governmental scrutiny, the screenplay favorably manages not to forget to entertain.

Full Review | Original Score: 7/10 | Sep 11, 2020

Scott creates suspense by utilizing believable technology and realistic, well-grounded characters.

Full Review | Original Score: B+ | Mar 25, 2020

As a simple thriller that wants only to excite and intensify, it's one of the better ones that the late '90s produced.

Full Review | Original Score: 7/10 | Aug 1, 2013

Decent thriller; not suitable for kids.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 24, 2010

A highly enjoyable hi-tech thriller.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 30, 2009

[Its] spirited action is balanced by an almost contemplative attitude toward surveillance phobias and the movie cliches they've spawned.

Full Review | Mar 30, 2009

Distinctly uneven but generally entertaining...

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Jul 22, 2006

If you want to believe in the dark side of government, we are already past the predictions of Enemy of the State.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Jun 8, 2006

...it's the action, not the acting, that is the key to the movie's success, and that's where it excels with its constant momentum.

Full Review | Original Score: 7/10 | May 14, 2006

It's got some great action moments, just enough energy to jolt you through the exposition deliveries, and a ridiculously colorful cast to keep your eyeballs busy.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | May 14, 2006

Add Smith's lippy innocent and a host of subcontracted indie fresh faces, and you have the Bruckheimer formula: loud, lavish, seemingly efficient; over-large, over-long, over-plotted. Safe and sorry.

Full Review | Jan 26, 2006

Who'd have thought I'd miss the subtle touch of the late Don Simpson?

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/5 | Dec 6, 2005

O roteiro bem construdo e a direo enrgica de Scott conferem tenso ao filme, que tambm faz uma srie de bem-vindas aluses a A Conversao.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Oct 3, 2005

Since Scott could not make this film snap, crackle or pop faster or more loudly, you might find the evening a bit light.

Full Review | Jul 21, 2005

It's good to see an action thriller have a story that has some real meaning and issues that may open quite a few eyes to the fragility of the rights of the individual in a world where things are moving too fast to control.

Full Review | Original Score: B | Apr 9, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 2, 2005

It satisfies needs of those who crave for quality entertainment as much as the needs of those who like some food for thought.

Full Review | Original Score: 6/10 | Oct 8, 2004

Preposterous.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Oct 5, 2003

High production values and Gene Hackman are the only things that stand out in this run-of-the-mill Hollywood paranoia thriller. The unimaginative plot consists mostly of Will Smith being chased around by government agents.

Full Review | Original Score: D+ | Aug 11, 2003

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Enemy of the State Reviews

• 67   Metascore
• 2 hr 12 mins
• Drama, Suspense, Action & Adventure
• Watchlist Where to Watch

An unsuspecting lawyer life is turned inside out by government agents after a friend slips him evidence regarding a congressman's murder.

A sleek young meritocrat stands in the lobby of a swank hotel, squirming as his credit cards are repeatedly, inexplicably declined: Welcome to the modern-day version of the classic "naked in a public place" nightmare. And for brash labor advocate Robert Dean (Will Smith), the nightmare's real. One moment he has a perfect life -- job, Georgetown house, beautiful wife (Regina King) and son (Jascha Washington) -- the next minute he runs into old school acquaintance Zavitz (Jason Lee), and everything changes. Zavitz has accidentally filmed some men in black murdering a senator (Jason Robards) for high-level NSA muckety-muck Thomas Reynolds (Jon Voight). Zavitz surreptitiously drops the evidence into Dean's shopping bag and accepts his business card, leading the NSA to believe the two are in cahoots. They turn their considerable resources to the task of ruining Dean, and suddenly his house has been vandalized and bugged, his phones tapped, his credit destroyed and his credibility (not to mention his marriage) compromised: The local papers get a tip that he's mobbed up and having an affair with ex-galpal Rachel Banks (Lisa Bonet), his liaison with a very secretive, very efficient private eye. Even Dean's clothes are wired, and the NSA's army of techno-geeks (cyber slackers who treat the whole business like one big video game) is watching his every move. Enter Dean's last, best hope: Brill (Gene Hackman, clearly reprising his role from Francis Ford Coppola's THE CONVERSATION), a former NSA operative with a bone to pick with the Big Brother society. Purists may squirm at seeing Coppola's cold-as-ice exploration of paranoia and alienation quoted so liberally in what is, at heart, a pop thriller. But hey -- it's better than seeing it parodied in commercials for the short-lived comedy show The State. Tony Scott's thriller is flashy, but it's not dead stupid and it's never dull.

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Enemy Of The State (1998)

A chance encounter with an old friend destroys attorney Robert Clayton Dean's (Will Smith) fast-track career and happy home life when he is framed for murder by a corrupt intelligence official. As an administrator on loan from the State Department to the National Security Agency, Thomas Brian Reynolds (Jon Voight) appropriates the vast resources of his department to commit the perfect crime and conceal a political cover up of immense proportions. Dean's only hope to reclaim his life and prove his innocence is a man he's never met, a mysterious underground information broker and ex-intelligence operative known only as Brill (Gene Hackman)

Enemy of the State DVD Review

Overall this movie is pretty darn entertaining.

November 20, 1998 FILM REVIEW 'Enemy of the State': The Walls Have Ears and Eyes Related Articles The New York Times on the Web: Current Film Video Selected Scenes and Trailer From the Film Forum Join a Discussion on Film By JANET MASLIN hough "Enemy of the State" finds a flimsy excuse for setting one scene amid lingerie models, babes have nothing to do with its notion of sex appeal. Instead, it's the gigahertz that are hot in a thriller that treats technology as its biggest turn-on. Linda R. Chen/Touchstone Pictures High-stakes pursuit: Will Smith in Tony Scott's thriller "Enemy of the State." High-tech surveillance ("Enhance, then forward frame by frame!") is at the heart of this latest splashy collaboration between Tony Scott and Jerry Bruckheimer ("Top Gun," "Crimson Tide"), with its premise that privacy is imperiled by runaway electronics. In a week that finds the nation listening to surreptitiously taped Washington telephone calls, who's to say that "Enemy of the State" doesn't have a point? This much is certain: it has a hurtling pace, nonstop intensity and a stylish, appealing performance by Will Smith in his first real starring role. And although Scott has done popular culture no great favor by pioneering the Simpson-Bruckheimer school of empty but sensation-packed filmmaking, he now looks like a veritable Billy Wilder beside latter-day Top Gunners like Michael ("Armageddon") Bay. As a grand old man of the thrill-happy genre, Scott gives this film a fine cast, a modicum of wit on the run and a reasonably human dimension. As Gene Hackman, playing an eccentric technology wiz, finally admits about Smith's lawyer-turned-action hero: "Not too stupid after all." ADVERTISEMENT Smith plays Robert Clayton Dean, an upright and happily married lawyer who winds up, quicker than you can say John Grisham, being targeted, chased and spied on by ruthless forces within the National Security Agency. Needless to say, the "huh?" factor is considerable. How exactly does Dean go from peace and quiet to a scene in which he must run away from a helicopter, a truck and a train simultaneously? The screenplay by David Marconi seems to be wired with its own self-destruct mechanism, so that it works within the moment but stops making sense the minute you walk out the door. "Enemy of the State" begins with the murder of a congressman (played by an unbilled Jason Robards) because he opposes a Telecommunications Security and Privacy Act that a certain NSA official (Jon Voight, who modeled his appearance here on Robert McNamara) dearly hopes will pass. But it happens that a nature photographer (Jason Lee, a star of "Chasing Amy") is monitoring geese in the very park where the killing takes place. The photographer becomes toast as soon as he relays this information to someone else by telephone, since there are no such things as unmonitored phone conversations or camera-free buttonholes in this movie. Incidentally, everyone who makes phone calls here tends to be doing at least one other thing -- fiddling with a keyboard, peering at a monitor screen, watching television -- simultaneously. And information is gathered and processed with dizzying rapidity. The real world's hourglass icon, the one that indicates a computer is taking its sweet time about something, is nowhere to be seen. In what passes for crafty plotting here, Dean happens to be buying holiday underwear for his wife (of course it's Christmastime) when the photographer bursts onto the scene and hides a copy of his incriminating evidence in Dean's shopping bag. Suddenly, a whole nerd squad back at headquarters begins studying the configuration of the bag and then monitoring Dean's every move. His house is fitted with more bugs than there are in children's films this season. There's a sensor in his pants. A special dedicated satellite, filmed as if this were "Star Wars," is devoted to chasing him. The question of why one little vote in Congress -- or even one little murder, in this cutthroat context -- is enough to set off such techno-frenzy is one more "huh?" along the way. But Scott comes up with enough snazzy equipment, wild chases and explosive notions (like blowing up the original Dr. Pepper factory in Baltimore) to keep the story moving faster than the speed of scrutiny. And he does use sharp, video-influenced editing more effectively than most (though John Frankenheimer's "Ronin" achieved the same high velocity without benefit of MTV tricks). The film's juxtapositions, sharp angles, jump cuts and aerial surveillance shots (a la the Gulf war) have a rhythm that suits the material. And Scott avoids touches of overkill, like pumped-up emotional heft or an overlay of musical schmaltz. In addition, the filmmakers' claims that actual surveillance capabilities go well beyond what is seen here give added interest, not to mention true menace, to much of what is seen. Making memorable appearances here are Regina King (from "Jerry Maguire") as Dean's sturdy wife; Barry Pepper, Ian Hart and Jake Busey as young thugs on Dean's trail; Lisa Bonet as an ex-girlfriend of Dean's, and Tom Sizemore as a tubby mobster. Gabriel Byrne appears in a brief, baffling role. The film's horde of foxy screens, transmitters, buttonhole cameras and laptops probably deserve an acting credit of their own. "Enemy of the State" is rated R (Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian). It includes mild sexual suggestiveness, occasional violence and one major shootout at its finale. ENEMY OF THE STATE Directed by Tony Scott; written by David Marconi; director of photography, Dan Mindel; edited by Chris Lebenzon; music by Trevor Rabin and Harry Gregson-Williams; production designer, Benjamin Fernandez; produced by Jerry Bruckheimer; released by Touchstone Pictures. Running time: 128 minutes. This film is rated R. WITH: Will Smith (Robert Clayton Dean), Gene Hackman (Brill), Jon Voight (Reynolds), Lisa Bonet (Rachel Banks), Regina King (Carla Dean), Ian Hart (Bingham), Jake Busey (Krug), Barry Pepper (Pratt), Gabriel Byrne (Brill), Tom Sizemore (Pintero), Jason Robards (the congressman) and Jason Lee (Zavitz).

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Enemy Of The State (1998) Will Smith and Gene Hackman are both fantastic in this high-paced action / thriller. It’s over two hours but kept my attention the entire time. Recommend.

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Enemy of the State

"State is the name of the coldest of all cold monsters. Coldly it tells lies too; and this lie crawls out of its mouth: ``I, the state, am the people.'' That is a lie! It was creators who created peoples and hung a faith and a love over them: thus they served life." --Nietzsche, Thus Spoke Zarathushtra

Enemy of the State follows a formulaic story line that generally has worked well for Hollywood: the protagonist is framed for crimes they did not not commit and has to overcome overwhelming odds to prove their innocence ( North by Northwest , The Fugitive , The Negotiator , The Net , U.S. Marshals ). In this particular Orwellian scenario, the protagonist is pitted against a corrupt government organisation which has an even greater appeal to me.

In the spirit of The X Files , the operative watchword here is "trust no one", because the government is listening to and watching everything you say and do. And in the same spirit, the plot is fairly convoluted: Robert Dean, a Washington, DC lawyer, is involved in a case against Pintero (Tom Sizemore) a mobster who is extorting his clients. Dean obtains a videotape of Pintero violating his parole (which could result in a long jail sentence) from "Brill", a person of many means. Dean wants to cut a deal with the mobster: leave his clients alone and the videotape disappears.

Cut to another seemingly unrelated sub-plot: Dean encounters Daniel Zavitz (Jason Lee) a classmate of his from Georgetown University on the run from National Security Agency (NSA) goons. The reason Zavitz is being pursued is because he possess a disk depicting the murder of a U.S. Senator by NSA Deputy Director Thomas Reynolds (Jon Voight) set up to look like a suicide. The reason? The Senator was opposing a bill that would give greater surveillance powers (within the U.S.) to the NSA. Zavitz slips the evidence of the murder into Dean's shopping bags and manages to promptly kill himself (cycling on Georgetown streets is murder). Dean, blissfully unaware of the highly incriminating piece of information he's carrying, goes home to his wife and son.

Soon after, Dean's life is turned upside town: his every moment is tracked, every word is tapped, and his credit cards are made inoperative, by the NSA so they can acquire the disk. After stumbling around for a bit trying to figure out what's happening to him, Dean turns to Brill for help, who turns out be an ex-NSA agent named Edward Lyle who was responsible for inventing some of the surveillance devices used against Dean by the NSA. Together, they fight the NSA using the same techniques used against them, culminating in an action sequence where the two sub-plots are brought together in highly improbable circumstances.

Enemy of the State has a lot of good things going for it: Will Smith, Gene Hackman, and Jon Voight dole out excellent performances. The supporting cast isn't too bad either. The direction (Tony Scott) and pacing of the action sequences are fast and tight. The cinematography is brilliant and the use of the satellite perspective to film scenes makes the surveillance aspect of the film extremely realistic. The ending, which features a Reservoir Dogs face-off, could've been done better (by making it conform more to a Quentin Tarantino style).

Movies like Enemy of the State stop and make you think. I'd wager most people brush off comments in the movie about the abilities of the government to monitor every aspect of your life saying "it can't be possible" or "they wouldn't do that." But I think the technology to do all the things depicted in the film isn't too far from being deployed for routine use (after all, I can, on the world wide web , see a satellite image of the building I research in ). Big Brother is indeed watching. Fortunately, like in the film, technology that enables surveillance to have an extraordinary reach also enables the average person to avoid surveillance to unsurpassed levels (especially considering the incompetency of government in general). It makes it all the more imperative that people do not let their freedoms to use anonymity and strong encryption and protect their privacy be abridged: that is what will provide a defense in an Orwellian future.

30 Facts About The Movie Enemy Of The State

Written by Lavena Petry

Modified & Updated: 02 Jun 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Enemy of the State is a gripping and thrilling movie that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Released in 1998, this action-packed film directed by Tony Scott features a star-studded cast led by Will Smith and Gene Hackman. The movie follows the story of a Washington, D.C. lawyer, played by Smith, who becomes entangled in a web of conspiracy and surveillance after obtaining a piece of evidence that threatens the lives of those powerful individuals who will stop at nothing to keep it hidden.

In this article, we will uncover 30 fascinating facts about Enemy of the State that shed light on the making of the film , behind-the-scenes trivia, and interesting tidbits about its cast and crew. Whether you’re a fan of action movies, a Will Smith enthusiast, or simply interested in the world of espionage, these facts will provide a deeper understanding and appreciation for this critically acclaimed film.

Key Takeaways:

• “Enemy of the State” is a thrilling movie with intense action, government conspiracy, and thought-provoking themes. It showcases cutting-edge surveillance technology and delivers powerful performances that captivate audiences.
• The film’s legacy as a beloved and influential action thriller continues to captivate audiences with its gripping storyline, compelling characters, and timely social commentary on government surveillance and privacy rights.

Twists and Turns:

The movie Enemy of the State is known for its thrilling plot filled with unexpected twists and turns.

Stellar Cast:

The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Will Smith , Gene Hackman, and Jon Voight.

High-Stakes Action:

Enemy of the State delivers intense and adrenaline-pumping action sequences that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Surveillance Themes:

The movie explores the theme of government surveillance and raises important questions about privacy and personal freedom.

Blockbuster Success:

Enemy of the State was a box office hit, grossing over $250 million worldwide.

Directed by Tony Scott:

The film was directed by the renowned action filmmaker Tony Scott, known for his dynamic visual style.

Intrigue and Suspense:

The movie keeps audiences engaged with its suspenseful storyline and intriguing plot twists.

Cutting-Edge Technology:

Enemy of the State showcases advanced surveillance technology, giving viewers a glimpse into the world of high-tech espionage.

Government Conspiracy:

The film revolves around a government conspiracy that unfolds as Will Smith’s character becomes the target of powerful forces.

Compelling Performances:

The talented cast delivers compelling performances that add depth and complexity to the characters.

Critically Acclaimed:

Enemy of the State received positive reviews from critics who praised its thrilling storyline and strong performances.

Thought-Provoking:

The movie raises thought-provoking questions about the balance between national security and individual liberties .

Soundtrack:

The film features an impressive soundtrack that enhances the tension and atmosphere of the story.

Realistic Action Scenes:

Enemy of the State stands out for its realistic action sequences that add to the intensity of the film.

Iconic Quotes:

The film includes memorable and quotable lines that have become part of pop culture .

Fast-Paced Thriller:

Enemy of the State keeps the audience engaged with its fast-paced and adrenaline-fueled narrative.

Collaboration of Talented Filmmakers:

The movie brings together the talents of Tony Scott, producer Jerry Bruckheimer , and writer David Marconi.

Nerve-Wracking Pursuit:

The protagonist finds himself pursued by relentless adversaries, leading to nail-biting chase sequences throughout the film.

Intense Climax:

The movie builds up to a gripping climax that keeps viewers guessing until the very end.

Action meets Drama:

Enemy of the State seamlessly blends intense action with compelling dramatic moments.

Cinematic Spectacle:

The film offers visually stunning scenes and breathtaking cinematography that enhance the overall viewing experience.

Memorable Characters:

The movie features well-developed and memorable characters that leave a lasting impression on the audience.

Political Intrigue:

Enemy of the State delves into the world of political intrigue and exposes the dark underbelly of power.

Relevant Themes:

The film raises important themes that are still relevant in today’s society, such as government surveillance and the erosion of privacy rights .

Timeless Appeal:

Enemy of the State continues to captivate audiences even years after its release, thanks to its gripping storyline and well-crafted action.

Powerful Performances:

The cast’s powerful performances bring the characters to life and make the audience emotionally invested in their journey .

Dynamic Editing:

The film’s editing style adds to its energetic pace, creating a sense of urgency and keeping viewers hooked.

Broader Social Commentary:

Enemy of the State serves as a commentary on the dangers of unchecked government power and the importance of maintaining individual rights.

Cultural Impact:

The movie has had a significant cultural impact and is often referenced in discussions about technology, privacy, and government surveillance.

Enemy of the State has solidified its place as a beloved and influential film in the action thriller genre.

Detailed Description of Enemy of the State

Enemy of the State is a gripping action thriller directed by Tony Scott and released in The film follows the story of Robert Clayton Dean, a successful attorney played by Will Smith, who unwittingly becomes entangled in a dangerous government conspiracy. As Dean’s life unravels, he finds himself pursued by powerful forces that will stop at nothing to silence him.

With a star-studded cast including Gene Hackman, Jon Voight, and Lisa Bonet , Enemy of the State delivers high-stakes action, suspenseful twists, and thought-provoking themes. The film explores the issue of government surveillance and raises important questions about privacy, individual freedom , and the balance between national security and personal liberties.

The movie showcases cutting-edge surveillance technology and portrays a chillingly realistic world where privacy no longer exists. As Dean races against time to uncover the truth and clear his name, viewers are taken on a rollercoaster ride filled with thrilling chase sequences , intense confrontations, and unexpected plot developments.

Throughout the film, the audience is treated to powerful performances that bring the characters to life. Will Smith delivers a compelling portrayal of a man caught in a web of conspiracy, while Gene Hackman shines as a reclusive former intelligence officer who aids Dean in his fight against the government. The chemistry between the cast members adds to the authenticity of the story and keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.

Enemy of the State received critical acclaim upon its release, with praise directed towards its gripping storyline, intense action, and timely social commentary. The film’s exploration of government surveillance and the erosion of privacy rights struck a chord with audiences and solidified its place as a relevant and impactful work of cinema.

With its compelling characters, adrenaline-pumping action, and thought-provoking themes, Enemy of the State continues to captivate audiences today. Its legacy as a standout film in the action thriller genre is undeniable, and it remains a must-watch for fans of thrilling and thought-provoking cinema.

In conclusion, “Enemy of the State” is a thrilling and thought-provoking movie that combines gripping action with a compelling storyline. With exceptional performances from its cast, particularly Will Smith and Gene Hackman, the film keeps viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.The movie explores themes of government surveillance, privacy invasion, and the abuse of power, raising important questions about individual freedom and the role of technology in our lives. With its intense chase sequences, clever plot twists, and a dose of political intrigue, “Enemy of the State” remains a must-watch for fans of the action-thriller genre.If you’re looking for a suspenseful and intelligent movie that will keep you entertained, “Enemy of the State” is definitely worth a watch. So grab some popcorn , turn off your phone, and get ready for an adrenaline-pumping cinematic experience.

1. What is the plot of “Enemy of the State”?

Enemy of the State” follows the story of a successful lawyer who becomes the target of a corrupt government official after receiving evidence of a politically motivated murder. With his life turned upside down , he must rely on the help of a former intelligence operative to uncover the truth and clear his name.

2. Who are the main actors in “Enemy of the State”?

The film stars Will Smith as the lawyer, Robert Clayton Dean, and Gene Hackman as the former intelligence operative, Edward “Brill” Lyle . Other notable actors include Jon Voight, Lisa Bonet, Regina King, and Jack Black .

3. Is “Enemy of the State” based on a true story?

No, “Enemy of the State” is not based on a true story. However, it explores themes of government surveillance and privacy invasion that are highly relevant in today’s digital age.

4. When was “Enemy of the State” released?

The movie was released on November 20, 1998.

5. Who directed “Enemy of the State”?

The film was directed by Tony Scott, known for his work on other successful thrillers such as “Top Gun” and “The Taking of Pelham 123”.

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War latest: Putin ally issues dire warning over Ukraine's invasion of Russia - as experts say move highlights Kremlin 'failure'

An ally of the Russian president says Ukraine's invasion of Kursk has left the planet on the brink of a "third world war", as Alexander Lukashenko calls on Kyiv and Moscow to end the conflict. Listen to a Daily podcast on how Ukraine broke through Vladimir Putin's "red line" as you scroll.

Friday 16 August 2024 08:26, UK

• Ukraine's invasion bringing world to 'brink of a third world war' claims Russian MP
• Ukrainian troops capture largest Russian town so far, says Zelenskyy
• Putin aide claims NATO and West helped Ukraine plan attacks
• Key Putin ally urges Ukraine and Russia to end war  
• Eyewitness: Russian detainees in Ukraine reveal Kursk reality
• Michael Clarke analysis: How long can Ukraine hold Kursk?
• Listen to the Daily above and tap here to follow wherever you get your podcasts
• Live reporting by Katie Williams

Footage has emerged of an armoured vehicle driving towards a Russian border checkpoint from the Ukrainian side and being fired on.

The Kolotilovka checkpoint in the Belgorod region is often used for prisoner exchanges.

The video shows a vehicle driving at full speed towards the checkpoint before appearing to hit a barrier and being shot at shortly after.

Ukraine has shown it is "capable of carrying the fight to the enemy" and the UK should be prepared to give Kyiv its "full support" as the invasion of Kursk continues, a former defence secretary has said.

Lord John Hutton, a Labour peer, said Ukraine's attacks were a "legitimate operation" and "largely defensive".

"I think we should be prepared to give it our full support because it is necessary for the defence of Ukraine," he told Sky News.

Asked what he thought Volodymyr Zelenskyy aim was with the offensive, Lord Hutton said it was "essentially a political mission to put pressure on Putin".

"He's demonstrated that Ukrainian armed forces are still in the fight, and they're capable of carrying the fight to the enemy, and I think it's delivered a much needed morale boost to the Ukrainian people themselves, who've been on the defensive for a long period of time," he said

"I hope that the mission achieves the long term purpose of getting closer to a ceasefire and the withdrawal of Russian forces from the territory of Ukraine," Lord Hutton added.

Washington is reluctant to let Kyiv's troops use long-range US weapons inside Kursk due to their short supply, according to a report.

Ukraine received several of the long-range ATACMS missiles earlier this year, and has used them to target sites deep inside Russia.

Officials told CNN that the US was hesitant over the use of the missiles in the Kursk invasion, not because of the risk of escalation, but due to their limited supply.

Despite Ukraine gaining ground in the Russian region, "multiple" US and Western officials warned that Kyiv was unlikely to be able to judge the territory for long, adding that it was too soon to say how the invasion will affect the overall outcome of the war.

Ukraine's surprise push into the Russian border region of Kursk has seen Kyiv's forces capture a series of villages, take hundreds of prisoners and force tens of thousands of residents to flee their homes.

Top Ukrainian commander Oleksandr Syrskyi told Volodymyr Zelenskyy yesterday that the invasion had so far advanced 35km (22 miles) into Kursk, with 82 settlements captured.

Ukrainian troops have been seen pictured operating in Sumy, a region in northeastern Ukraine which borders Russia.

Russia launched three missiles and five drones at Ukraine in its latest overnight attack, the Ukrainian military has said.

According to the country's air force, Russian forces targeted Ukraine from Kursk with ballistic missiles, two Shahed-type drones and two unspecified drones.

It said defence forces shot down the drones over five regions, but did not say what happened to the missiles.

A top aide to Vladimir Putin has accused NATO and the West of being directly involved in the planning for Ukraine's invasion in Kursk.

In an interview with Russian newspaper Izvestia, Nikolai Patrushev said Washington was lying when it said it had no prior knowledge of the attacks.

"The operation in the Kursk region was also planned with the participation of NATO and Western special services," he said.

"The statements by the US leadership that it was not involved in Kyiv's crimes in the Kursk region are not true... without their participation and direct support, Kyiv would not have ventured into Russian territory." 

He did not appear to provide any evidence for his claims.

The White House said Kyiv did not provide advance notice of its operation and that Washington had no involvement.

The Kremlin and Vladimir Putin's top military brass have created a "complicated" and "ineffective" structure for Russia's response to the Ukrainian offensive in Kursk, military analysts have said.

Russian defence minister Andrei Belousov yesterday announced the creation of a "coordination council" for military and security issues in affected regions bordering Ukraine.

He said the council was aimed at improving support for Russian troops and will oversee the provision of military aid, while also assisting with evacuations and measures to protect residents.

Mr Belousov did not say how it would interact with an existing command structure established by the Kremlin when it called on the Russian security service (FSB) to conduct a counterterrorism operation in Belgorod, Bryansk, and Kursk.

Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War say the two operations "will likely generate continued confusion" about who is responseible for what aspect of the response to the Kursk invasion and could "lead to friction between the FSB and the Russian military".

It added that the delayed establishment of a "complicated" structure "continues to highlight the fact that the Kremlin failed to plan for the possibility of a significant Ukrainian incursion into Russia". 

"The Ukrainian incursion into Kursk will likely expand the Kremlin's consideration for what type of Ukrainian operations are possible along the border and highlight that Putin and the Kremlin have suffered from a strategic failure of imagination," the think tank said.

The Ukrainian invasion inside Russia has brought the world close to a "third world war", Russian media has cited an MP in the country as saying.

Ukrainian forces broke through the border into Kursk last Tuesday and have since made significant advances, forcing Russia to evacuate more than 200,000 people.

State news agency RIA quoted parliamentary deputy Mikail Sheremet - an ally of Vladimir Putin - as saying: "Considering the presence of Western military equipment, the use of Western ammunition and missiles in attacks on civilian infrastructure and irrefutable proof of foreigners' participation in the attack on Russian territory, one could come to the conclusion that the world is on the brink of a third world war."

He also said NATO members had given their prior approval of the Ukrainian invasion - a claim Washington has denied.

Welcome back to our live coverage on the war in Ukraine. 

Yesterday marked a big day for Kyiv's forces, with Volodymyr Zelenskyy announcing his troops had captured the largest Russian town so far - Sudzha in the Kursk region.

Footage filmed in the Sumy region of Ukraine, which is close to the border with Kursk, showed Ukrainian soldiers returning from combat with a captured Russian tank. 

They also appeared to have taken a sign from a village in the Kursk region as a trophy that read "Lubimovka."

It came after Sky News revealed British Challenger 2 tanks had been used by Ukraine during their offensive inside Russia. 

We'll be bringing you the latest updates on the situation throughout the day but before we do, here's a recap of the other key events from the last 24 hours: 

• Key Putin ally, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, called on Ukraine and Russia to end their conflict to avoid the war spilling into his country;
• The Russian defence ministry said it was bringing in measures to protect its Belgorod border region from Ukrainian attack;
• Satellite images obtained by Sky News showed a sudden build-up of helicopters at Kursk Airport's military airstrip;
• Thousands more residents were evacuated from a district in Kursk as Ukrainian troops continued to advance in the region.

That's all our coverage on the war in Ukraine for now - we'll be back tomorrow with all the latest updates. 

Before we go, here's a recap of today's main events: 

• Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv's troops had captured the Russian town of Sudzha in the Kursk region;
• Sky News revealed Ukrainian troops had used British Challenger 2 tanks in their offensive inside Russia - you can read more about that  here ;
• Key Putin ally, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, called on Ukraine and Russia to end their conflict to avoid the war spilling over into his country;
• Satellite images obtained by Sky News showed a sudden build-up of helicopters at Kursk Airport's military airstrip. 

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